Angel City FC clinch dramatic qualification and eliminate San Diego Wave on penalties

Angel City FC are on a roll and they're not sitting still! On a night of pure adrenaline and emotion, the team booked their place in the semi-finals of the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup after a hard-fought win against San Diego Wave FC on penalties. The goalless draw in regulation time gave way to a breathtaking penalty shootout, with goalkeeper DiDi Haračić becoming the hero of the night.

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From the opening whistle, it was clear that San Diego Wave weren't going to make things easy for Angel City. In the very first minute, Wave striker Makenzy Doniak launched a dangerous ball that was almost a surprise, had it not been for the intervention of Haračić, who tipped it over the bar. And that was just the first of many crucial saves the goalkeeper would make throughout the game.

The first 20 minutes were intense, with San Diego pressing and Haračić saving dangerous shots from Hanna Lundkvist and Alex Morgan. Angel City's defense stood firm, cutting off the opposition's attacks and keeping the score at zero. Gradually, Angel City found their rhythm, exploiting quick counter-attacks and creating good chances, especially in the final minutes of the first half.

Claire Emslie almost opened the scoring in the 45th minute with a powerful shot, but the ball sailed over the goal. In extra time, Messiah Bright showed all her skill by dribbling past the defense and hitting a hard shot, but the ball sailed over the line. Alyssa Thompson also came close to scoring, hitting the post from an acute angle after a fine pass from Jasmyne Spencer.

The second half was marked by a slower pace, with fewer clear chances on goal. The best chances came in the 65th minute, when Kennedy Fuller found Bright in the box, but her shot sailed high. San Diego's Melanie Barcenas almost decided the game in injury time, but Haračić was there to ensure the score remained unchanged.

With the final whistle, the match went straight to penalties, in accordance with Summer Cup rules. The tension was palpable, but Angel City showed cold blood and precision in the shootout. Emslie, Thompson, Rocky Rodríguez and Kennedy Fuller converted their kicks with mastery. On the decisive kick, Fuller sent the ball into the top left corner, sealing the 5-4 win for Angel City.

Haračić's save from Amirah Ali's shot was the icing on the cake, securing Angel City's place in the semi-finals. Not only that, but Christen Press' entrance in the 89th minute marked her return to action after 782 days out due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Press, who has had a brilliant career so far.

Angel City coach Rebecca Susan Tweed certainly has reason to smile. The team showed resilience and determination, essential characteristics to progress in the competition. Their next challenge will be on Tuesday, August 6, at the CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, where they will face an opponent yet to be determined in the Summer Cup semi-finals.